In the series of questions that we are seeking to answer, we turn now to a very serious
question that deals with life after death. "Is there a Purgatory?" It is the
doctrine of Purgatory. Perhaps, this doctrine, because of the way that it intruded into
the practical life of ordinary people during the Middle Ages, became a central focus of
the division that occurred between the Protestant Churches and the Roman Church. It is a
crucial question and at one level it raises a very serious question about the requirements
of entrance into the presence of a Holy God.

We need to define the term. Simply put, it is a state or place in which the souls of
those who have died in a state of grace undergo suffering, limited in the length of time
but not in the extent of suffering, to remove their venial sins and become purified of
their remaining mortal sins. The word takes its origin from the Latin word,
"purgare", meaning to clean or purge.

At first sight, the teaching would appear to have much to commend it. It takes the
holiness of God very seriously. It also recognises the fallen-ness of mankind. In order
for fallen man to stand before a Holy God there must be some transaction which will make
mankind fit for Gods presence. However, where it falls short is that there is no
mention of this in the pages of the New Testament.

The apostle Peter says nothing of it, nor does St John, nor again St Paul. It is not
until the fifth century that the doctrine begins to take shape. In fact, the doctrine
flies in the face of the teaching of the New Testament concerning how anyone may be right
with God, which is itself based on Old Testament teaching.

What is more serious is the fact that at least to some degree the doctrine bypasses the
Lord Jesus Christ in his obedience to the Law of God and his sacrificial death on the
Cross which makes infinite and eternal satisfaction before God for the sins of the world.
It throws mortal man back on his own strength that is insufficient and replaces the
completed work of Christ with the intercessory work of the priesthood in the Church.

The practice led to the great scandal of the sixteenth century with the sale of
indulgences throughout Europe and this led to Martin Luthers rediscovery of the
doctrine of how mankind might be declared to be legally right before God. It is called
justification by faith.

Put simply it means that when anyone turns in repentance towards God and casts
themselves on the mercy of Christ for the forgiveness of their sins, God forgives that
person and declares that through Christs work such a person is legally right before
him through faith. Faith is trust in God and his promises in Christ. That faith unites the
person to Christ in his obedience, his death, his resurrection, his ascension and his
continuing intercession.

Now begins a period of cleansing which we call sanctification. It is not complete in
this life but at death the believer is made completely holy. Nothing else is required
other than faith in Christ and that delivers from Hell. There is no Purgatory in the life
to come. Faith must be exercised now in Christ demonstrated by a turning away from those
things that we know to be wrong.

This seems very strange to those whom the New Testament calls the natural man and when
the doctrine is overlaid in the Church, the Church loses its way and congregations
decline. Christianity becomes nothing more spiritually profound than a set of virtuous
principles around which one can construct a means of living from day to day.

While we accept that the doctrine of Purgatory seeks to deal with some very important
issues, it is clear that this is a doctrine for which there is no warrant in the
Scriptures and therefore must be strongly denied. There is no need for Purgatory when
Christ himself has accomplished infinitely and eternally all that the Father requires of
him for mankind. All that is required of mankind is to trust Christ.

Sincerely in Christ,

David Streater

Remembrance Sunday - Sunday November 12th.

Please note that our service will begin at 10.45 am in order to share in the two
minutes silence at 11 am.

Admission of Keith Merret as Church Warden

After the morning service in All Saints on November 5th Keith Merret,
who was elected Churchwarden to replace Tim Dodwell, will be admitted by the Archdeacon of
Bedford, the Venerable Malcolm Lesiter.

This occasion will be followed by a Fellowship Lunch in the Rectory. Everyone is
welcome. Please could those wishing to attend the lunch contact Valerie Streater.

The Prayer Chain

The Prayer Chain is there if you need prayer for yourself, for others or for members of
your family. Please dont ask for prayer outside your own family without
peoples permission. To have a number of people pray just telephone David (720234) or
Dennis (822992).

Please come and enjoy a cup of coffee and if you can, please bring with
you a gift that would go towards making up a hamper for the mothers and children at
Christian Family Care.

Jubilee Sailing Trust Supper

The Jubilee
Sailing Trust Supper, held at Watermead on Saturday October 14th, was a great
success, raising a remarkable £884.52 for the charity.

This excellent result is thanks to the 41 people who came, plus the many others who
donated money, food, drink, raffle prizes etc, or helped on the night. Everyone seemed to
enjoy the evening.

Michael Lavender Jones, the chairman of the St Albans & District Branch of the
Jubilee Sailing Trust, and all his committee would like to join us in thanking everyone
involved for their contribution.

Tim and Liz Dodwell.

The Church Flower Rota

Would anyone be willing to take on the task of organising the Flower Rota? It just
needs someone to remind the person involved each week. Please have a word with Jill
Cheadle if you can help.

Sidesmen

We still need another sidesman for the 3rd Sunday of each month to join Mr.
J. Harrison. Any volunteers please have a word with Jill Cheadle.

Our Giving in November

will be shared
between the British Legion Poppy Appeal and the Ex-Services Mental Welfare Society.

Many still depend on these two organisations for all kinds of help including medical
care and your generous giving enables continuous support for those damaged in body, mind
and spirit by the ravages of war.

Aid For Romania from North Bedfordshire  Help!

I have just spoken to the transport company who carry our goods to Romania in December
and they tell me there are complicated new regulations and problems with customs out
there, so they want all our goods earlier than usual (17th November) for the
last run before Christmas, and they want all our detailed lists of boxes with contents and
weights by 11th November.

Tim and I are going to Romania in October so that will give us very little time to sort
and pack all the clothes and make up the necessary paperwork. You may remember we pack the
boxes for each of the 26 or 27 families with items of clothing that we know will fit and
suit each person, so it isn't a simple process. First we sort everything into age
categories and heights and then we chose for each family.

Can You Help?

First of all please leave any clothes and shoes (in good, clean condition) as soon as
possible (in the porch if we're not here), preferably labelled and sorted for age and sex.

Secondly, please try to find some time to help, and phone me (720640) to fix to come
and sort for any period (even one hour) between October 30th and November 16th
(except Tue 31st and Wed 15th mornings).

It will cost £800 to send out 1.5 tonnes of gifts so any donations towards this cost
will be very welcome.

Thank you very much. Liz

PS Some strong men to move bags and boxes needed on Monday Oct. 30th and
Thursday Nov. 16th

Thank You

Jill Cheadle would like to thank all those who supported the coffee morning in aid of
the Guide Dogs for the Blind Association.

£71 was raised.

Looking to Jesus

with Anne Turner:

Isaiah 48:17; Proverbs 11;25 Try it!

"He will carry the lambs in His arms, holding them close to His heart."

Isaiah 40:11 NLT

Footprints

You are not alone! Listen to these words by Margaret Fishback Powers. "I dreamed I
was walking along the beach with the Lord and across the sky flashed scenes from my life.
In each scene, I noticed two sets of footprints in the sand. One belonged to me, and the
other belonged to the Lord.

"When the last scene flashed before us, I looked back at the footprints and
noticed that many times along the path, there was only one set of footprints. I also
noticed that it happened at the very lowest and saddest times in my life.

"This really bothered me, and I questioned the Lord about it. 'Lord, you said that
once I decided to follow You, You would walk with me all the way. But I noticed that
during the most troublesome times in my life, there was only one set of footprints. I
don't understand. Why, when I needed You most, did you leave me?

"The Lord replied, 'My child, I love you and I would never leave you during your
times of trial and suffering. When you say only one set of footprints, they were mine -
that's when I was carrying you!

Listen to this promise. "Even to your old age and grey hairs, I am He....who will
sustain you. I have made you and I will carry you"

(Isa 46:4 NIV). What more do you need?

Printed with kind permission of United Christian Broadcasters. Tel:01782 642100

Amongst Ourselves

We share our love and prayers with Derek Gadsby upon the death of his mother GLADYS who
died in Milton Ernest Nursing home on 13th October aged 92 years.

Our thoughts and compassion are very much with Frank Dowdeswell on the sudden tragic
death of his son James (Jim), and also with Jim's son Tom, recently gone to the United
States to study at a University. Jim died suddenly at Rushden on 12th October aged 54
years.

In tragic circumstances we feel so helpless, but can assure the families concerned that
our prayers are surrounding them.

As is our practice, we uphold in prayer all the sick and suffering, housebound and
lonely and all others who are in need of love and healing. Many people appreciate a chat
over a cup of tea or a telephone call - just simple things that help the day to pass
along. Even a smile and a 'hello' may brighten someone's day. And of course a prayer will
always be heard!

Father, sometimes when tragedy strikes we find it hard to understand why, feeling so
very helpless because the void seems too big and although our hearts ache with those who
mourn, we still feel so inadequate. So dear Lord, we pray that you will uphold these dear
people, giving them strength for each day, with Your Angels protecting them, and pray that
one day through all the tears and sadness that they will learn to smile again as their
faith is restored totally. Thank you for the lives of Gladys and Jim. We pray that they
are at peace in the realms of your love, in Your kingdom. Through Jesus Christ. AMEN.
Anne Turner

Emmaus Road Show at Bedford.

Visit The Holy Land - 90 minute tour - Travel in the X-Plane!

A few seats are still available for Wednesday 1st November at 7.00pm. Or, fly on
Tuesday 31st October at 1.45pm or 7.00pm from the Methodist Church, High
Street, Oakley.

Book with Ann Hudson (720587). Tickets £1.50.

Coffee morning at Abigail House

Saturday 4th November 10.30 onwards.

An opportunity to meet Geoffrey and Helen Ochana informally. They are
spending the weekend in Odell and looking forward to meeting old friends and making new
ones. Do come and hear all they have been doing in Kenya, Uganda and other parts of the
world since we last saw them. Why not pop in before or after the Mencap coffee morning at
93 High Street?

The Childrens Society

Forthcoming fundraising events:

November 11th 7.30pm St. Pauls Church, Bedford. Concert with Luton
Male Voice Choir and Bedford Town Band. Tickets £6/£5  includes wine or juice.
Tickets available from St. Pauls Church Office and Kim Gutteridge (01767 260714).

Please send all entries for the December and January joint
magazine to Tricia Hudson (triciahudson@kbnet.co.uk), Anne Turner or Catherine Corkery by
November 12th at the latest. May we remind you that the editorial team
exercises the right to edit, shorten or alter any items that are submitted. Also, the
opinions expressed in the articles are those of the contributors and are not the
responsibility of the editorial team.